Accelerate Product Development with Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing

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Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing

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Rapid Prototyping Using In-House 3D Printing Technologs

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires swift innovation and flawless execution. At BVM, we are proud to offer cutting-edge rapid prototyping services using the latest advancements in 3D printing technology. Discover how our expertise can transform your design process and bring your ideas to life faster than ever before.

The Power of Rapid Prototyping with 3D Printing

  • Unmatched Speed and Precision: Our state-of-the-art FDM 3D printer enables us to expedite the prototyping process significantly. By manufacturing prototype components quickly and accurately, we help you iterate and refine your designs without the traditional delays associated with prototyping. This rapid turnaround means you can test more configurations and make informed decisions faster.
  • Versatile Design Testing: One of the key advantages of our 3D printing capabilities is the ability to test a variety of design configurations and component designs. This flexibility ensures that the final assembly and sub-assemblies fit together seamlessly, promoting best practices in design for manufacture. By identifying and addressing potential issues early in the development process, we help you avoid costly revisions and delays down the line.
  • Enhanced Design for Manufacture: At BVM, we understand the importance of designing for manufacturability. Our rapid prototyping services not only allow us to test and refine your designs but also ensure that your components are optimized for efficient production. This holistic approach guarantees that your final product is not only functional but also cost-effective to produce.

Cutting-Edge Materials for Superior Prototyping

Diverse Material Selection

At BVM, we understand that the choice of materials plays a crucial role in the prototyping process. To cater to a wide range of design requirements and ensure optimal performance, we utilize cutting-edge materials such as PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS.

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is a popular material in 3D printing due to its ease of use and environmental friendliness. Derived from renewable resources like corn starch, PLA is biodegradable and offers excellent surface finish quality. It is ideal for creating prototypes that require fine details and smooth finishes.
  • PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG combines the best properties of PLA and ABS, providing strength, durability, and flexibility. It is highly resistant to impact and moisture, making it suitable for functional prototypes and parts that need to withstand mechanical stress. PETG’s clarity also makes it an excellent choice for transparent or translucent components.
  • TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): For prototypes that require flexibility and elasticity, TPU is the material of choice. It offers rubber-like properties, allowing for the creation of parts that can bend and stretch without breaking. TPU is perfect for prototypes involving gaskets, seals, and wearable components.
  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is renowned for its toughness and high impact resistance. It is a versatile material that can handle rigorous testing and rough handling, making it ideal for creating durable prototypes and functional parts. ABS also allows for post-processing options like sanding, drilling, and painting, giving you more flexibility in finalizing your designs.

Optimizing Material Selection

By offering a diverse selection of advanced materials, BVM ensures that your prototypes not only meet design specifications but also perform reliably under various conditions. Our expertise in material properties and selection allows us to tailor each prototype to its specific application, ensuring the best possible results.

Combining rapid prototyping with advanced 3D printing technology and a range of high-quality materials, BVM provides unparalleled prototyping solutions. Whether you need detailed, flexible, or durable prototypes, we have the materials and expertise to bring your designs to life with precision and efficiency.

Comparing 3D Printing Materials: Plastic vs. Metal

At BVM, we specialize in using advanced plastic materials for our 3D printing needs. Here, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of using plastic versus metal in 3D printing to help you choose the best material for prototyping and manufacturing projects.

Feature3D Printing Plastic3D Printing Metal
Material CostLower costHigher cost
SpeedFaster printing timesSlower printing times due to higher complexity
StrengthSuitable for lightweight and less stressed partsSuperior strength, suitable for high-stress parts
FlexibilityMaterials like TPU offer flexibilityLimited flexibility; metals are generally rigid
Detail and FinishHigh detail and smooth finishes (PLA, PETG)High detail with potential post-processing needed
DurabilityAdequate for prototypes and low-stress applicationsExcellent for end-use parts in harsh conditions
ComplexityHandles complex geometries wellHandles complex geometries but may require support structures
Post-ProcessingMinimal post-processing requiredOften requires significant post-processing
Environmental ImpactLower environmental impact (biodegradable options like PLA)Higher environmental impact due to energy-intensive processes
Heat ResistanceLimited heat resistance (e.g., PLA)Excellent heat resistance
ApplicationIdeal for prototyping, hobbyist projects, and low-load partsIdeal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications where high strength and durability are crucial

Why Choose BVM for Your Prototyping Needs?

  • Over 35 Years of Expertise: With more than three decades of experience in designing and manufacturing industrial and embedded computer hardware, BVM is a trusted partner for businesses across various industries. Our deep understanding of the complexities involved in hardware design and production sets us apart from the competition.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: We continuously invest in the latest 3D printing technology to provide our clients with the best possible prototyping solutions. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements ensures that you receive quality service and unparalleled results.
  • Dedicated Support Team: At BVM, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service. Our knowledgeable sales team is always ready to assist you with your industrial and embedded computer design and manufacturing needs. Whether you have a specific project in mind or need guidance on the best prototyping approach, we are here to help.

Get Started with BVM Today

Ready to take your design project to the next level? Contact BVM for all your industrial and embedded computer design and manufacturing needs. Our team is eager to help you accelerate your innovation process with our rapid prototyping services. Call us today at 01489 780144 or email us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk. With over 35 years of experience, BVM is your go-to partner for reliable and efficient industrial and embedded IPC solutions.

By leveraging 3D printing technology, BVM provides a rapid prototyping service that is second to none. Contact us today to see how we can help bring your ideas to life with speed and precision.

Design | Develop | Test | Manufacture

Here’s a selection of our design, manufacturing & associated services: –

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Design to Order: OEM/ODM Embedded Product Design Services

For customers designing a brand-new product from scratch
or working with an existing prototype.

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Build to Order: System Integration and Customisation Services​

Take an existing system and we can:

Build to order Racks and Towers, Peli Case PCs and Mini-ITX PCs

Embedded Software Services

Porting, Integration & Deployment

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We like to make life easier ….

BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems.
From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. Our support teams have worked in a variety of industrial and embedded environments and consequently provide knowledge, know-how, experience and all round good advice around all BVM’s products & services when and where you need it. 

We don’t profess to know everything you need at the time – but we’ll always help in the first instance and get back to you when a little more information is required.

You can Call us on +(0) 1489 780 144 and talk to one of the team | E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk | Use our quick contact form here

BVM Design and Manufacturing Services: The manufacturer behind the solutions you know

When a standard embedded design won’t suffice for what you need, you can always turn to BVM for help and use our custom design and manufacturing services.

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